For individuals and families in North Carolina relying on the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program and searching for “Hot Food Near Me”, there’s welcome news. Starting today, FNS benefits can be used to purchase hot, prepared foods. This temporary change is in effect across all 100 counties in North Carolina, supporting the nearly 700,000 households enrolled in the FNS program as they recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure swift assistance for those affected by the hurricane.
This flexibility is designed to offer immediate relief and a sense of normalcy during challenging times. As Governor Roy Cooper stated, “For people and families in North Carolina whose lives have been turned upside down by Hurricane Helene, a hot meal can provide a small comfort and sense of normalcy to their day. This flexibility helps us make sure everyone has access to basic necessities while we continue to work to restore services to impacted communities.”
Temporary Relief for Hurricane-Impacted Families
The ability to purchase hot food with FNS benefits is a direct response to the difficulties faced by communities affected by Hurricane Helene. NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley emphasized the state’s commitment: “This benefit will support families who are reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene with hot food they can purchase with their EBT card. We are 100% committed to the health and wellbeing of our friends, family, and fellow North Carolinians in every corner of western North Carolina — now and for the long haul.”
This measure acknowledges that many families may be displaced or without power, making it difficult to prepare meals at home. By allowing the purchase of hot foods, the program ensures access to warm meals during this recovery period.
Using Your EBT Card for Hot Food Purchases
If you are an FNS recipient in North Carolina looking for “hot food near me”, you can now use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at authorized retailers to purchase hot food, including items prepared for immediate consumption. This change is effective immediately and will remain in place until November 3, 2024.
It’s important to note that while this benefit is automatically available, customers should check with the store beforehand to confirm they can process hot food purchases with FNS benefits. This option is available at authorized EBT retailers, such as gas stations and deli departments, but does not extend to restaurants or non-EBT authorized retailers.
Finding Retailers Offering Hot Food Near You
To find locations where you can use your FNS benefits to purchase hot food near you, refer to the map of retailers that accept EBT. This resource can help you locate authorized vendors in your area. You can find the map here.
This expanded benefit provides crucial support, ensuring that families have access to hot meals even when facing displacement or power outages. Remember to look for authorized EBT retailers when searching for “hot food near me” using your FNS benefits.
Additional Support and Waivers
North Carolina has also received a waiver allowing FNS participants in disaster areas more time to report food loss due to Hurricane Helene. The deadline for reporting food loss to local Department of Social Services offices is extended to October 26, 2024, accommodating displacement, transportation issues, and other storm-related challenges.
Furthermore, NCDHHS has requested a waiver to automatically replace a portion of September FNS benefits for families in western North Carolina who experienced food loss. Approval is pending, and notifications with details will be released upon approval. The state is also seeking federal authority for a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to extend food assistance to more individuals affected by Hurricane Helene who are not currently FNS recipients.
Resources and Help
For more detailed information about the FNS program, please visit www.ncdhhs.gov/fns or epass.nc.gov.
For updates and additional resources related to Hurricane Helene, visit www.ncdps.gov/Helene and www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.
If you are struggling with the emotional impact of the hurricane, the Disaster Distress Helpline is available at 1-800-985-5990. You can also reach the 988 Lifeline for support in English or Spanish by calling, texting, or chatting at 988 or visiting 988Lifeline.org.
This temporary expansion of FNS benefits to include hot food provides vital support for North Carolinians as they recover from Hurricane Helene. By utilizing these benefits at authorized retailers, individuals and families can access the “hot food near me” they need during this challenging time.
